We have had a Departmental Wellness Committee since 2015 composed of representatives from each of the Wellness Subcommittees including faculty members, residents, CRNAs, and support staff. The purpose of these committees is to promote the physical and emotional health and well-being of all departmental members. The Resident Wellness Subcommittee is completely resident run.
UNC School of Medicine is a leader in Physician Well-being. The institution provides resources such as the Taking Care of Our Own Program, Integrated Emotional Support Program, Peer Support Program, and the Mayo Clinic Well-Being Index.
Our Department is also a leader on this front:
- We have 2-3 Grand Rounds each year focused on well-being related topics.
- Our department created the Family Anesthesia Program. Each year, our new CA-1 residents invite their family members and friends to CA-1 Family Anesthesia Day. This occasion allows each CA-1’s support persons and close family members to participate and learn about life as an anesthesia resident (while gaining hands-on simulated experience to some of the procedures we regularly perform (See also: AMA 2019 – Family days help loved ones understand anesthesiology’s stressors).
- The department goes one step further in its commitment to Resident Wellness by sponsoring an annual class retreat. Each class is provided with both funding and a selected weekend free from clinical duties to relax, recharge, and enjoy time together.
- In addition, UNC Anesthesiology coordinates regular events such as “Resident Appreciation Dinners” hosted by attendings, tailgating and going to UNC sporting events together, trivia nights, and organized ways to give back to our community.